INTERNATIONAL MEN’S CLUB OF ZUG, P.O. BOX 7212, 6301 ZUG IIII Editor: Alan Cattell • email: [email protected] IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IMCZ NEWS APRIL / MAY 2019 Introducing… New members THE IMCZ WELCOMES: EDITORIAL Spring is Sprung Martin Wrathall Now that the weather is gradually getting warmer, I’m sure Martin is of mixed British and German descent. many of you are thinking about warm weather pursuits and He was born in Shrewsbury but moved to putting away your winter sports equipment for another year. Düsseldorf in his early teens. He trained as “Hotelkaufmann“ and Soon the blossom will be out on all 1,000 cherry trees in Zug then “Chef du Cuisine“ and had and it will be time for each of us to finalise plans for the many jobs in kitchens in summer. For me it’s soon the start of the sailing season! Germany, Austria, Chicago and This is the second edition of the IMCZ Newsletter which I have Singapore. In 1990 he started edited. I think it’s now time to get some feedback from you, his own business “all-event the membership. I want to hear from you – for example: Party & Rental services” in Germany, which • Do you read the Newsletter? attracted many large clients. In 2017 he sold • Do you enjoy the Newsletter or is it only of passing interest? this business and shortly thereafter started a • What would you like to see more of? / less of? new all-event company in Zug, freelancer • What do you think of the format? event management, catering events and expos. His interests include cooking, golf, Speak to me at one of the Stammtische evenings or send me running, cycling, swimming and socialising. He an e-mail. is married with two sons. His wife, Connie, is From my perspective I would like to get more content from a member of the ZIWC. you. We have a very diverse membership with a lot of expertise in different areas and it would be great to get some articles about your business area or your hobbies. We’ve had some very interesting articles of this type, but I’m sure there’s a lot more out there which we would all enjoy reading about. Just get in touch. IN THIS ISSUE So enjoy this latest version of the Newsletter, and let me know what you think. PAGE 1 • Editorial Alan Cattell ([email protected]) • New Members • Future Events FUTURE EVENTS EVENT NEWS P.2 • Burns Supper Round Table Talk New Members' • Day - All about Golf • AGM Reception • If you can dream it, THURSDAY, 11TH APRIL 2019 AT 7PM - 8PM THURSDAY, 9TH MAY 2019 you can make it! Location: City Garden Hotel, AT 6PM - 8:30PM Metallstrasse 20, 6300 Zug HEALTH P.5 Speaker, Dave Speicher - Regional Director (Retired) Location: City Garden Hotel, • Microplastic in the - Member of the IMCZ Metallstrasse 20, 6300 Zug environment – and in our body SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY P.6 Planned Future Event – Reserve Now! A City Excursion for VIPs • The Physics of TRAVEL AND LEISURE P.8 THE REALLY EXCLUSIVE MILANO DATE 28TH & 29TH SEPT. 2019 • Cruising the Caribbean Special price exclusive for IMCZ and family and friends €1.250/pp This is just a brief overview of the Cartagena, Colombia This special offer for IMCZ & ZIWC members, their family and friends includes: event being planned by Enrico, our SPORTS P.12 • Round-trip by train (Zug-Milano) and public transport in Milano Events Organiser. For fuller information • Five Star Hospitality: • Overnight stay at the Hotel dei Cavalieri or an equivalent (4 star) hotel please go to the Events section of the club site where you will also find a link swiss five star • VIP access to the Leonardo VIP tour as per offer ** to a flyer with full information about the - IMCZ Ski Weekend • Behind the scenes and museum tour at La Scala • Dinner (meat or vegi) Saturday and lunch (meat or vegi) Sunday Leonardo VIP tour (or click here ) plus BUSINESS/FINANCE P.14 • Free time on Sunday morning for shopping the link to register for the event. • Financial Markets and Politics • English speaking guide Payments are not supported online, HUMOUR P.15 ** The normal price for the Leonardo VIP tour alone is 1.100 €/pp but should be made as follows: TITBITS P.16 The package price of 1.250/pp does not include cancellation 1. 5 May 2019: 50% € 625.- • Member’s Marketplace € insurance, which is recommended by the organizers. Please indicate 2. 31 August 2019: 50% € 625.- • IMCZ Rates when registering whether you wish to take the insurance. The number • Corporate Space Account: Italian Allegria C.Rocco of participants is fixed at 30. The excursion will be reserved as soon Post account CH6309000000917436749 as 30 people have registered. (Register in Events section of website.) Please call or e-mail Events Coordinator The registration deadline is 30th April 2019. Enrico Dell’Angelo +41 79 311 78 08 www.imcz.club The IMCZ no-show policy applies. with any questions. EVENT NEWS •IMCZ NEWS PAST EVENTS Burns Supper 26th January 2019 The 24th IMCZ Burns Supper was held this year in the Wirtschaft Brandenberg and was a great success as always. The event was introduced by Bill Lichtensteiger who gave a quick summary of what was to come, and we then took our seats for the evening. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Steven Knight, and he did a superb job. He managed the evening with humour and gentle persuasion and kept us all on track – a particularly challenging task as most of us were enjoying an extensive whisky tasting! We even had to taste the same Whisky several times to be sure we got the full flavour. Catherine Luke provided the Selkirk Grace and I had the privilege of addressing the haggis. Andrew Glass gave us the Immortal Memory – which he had clearly researched extensively. Then we had the Toast to the Lassies from Paul Jones – thanks to him for battling through despite not feeling well. Kerry Noonan then replied on behalf of the lassies. There was a post prandial raffle for those of us who could still concentrate, followed by a gradual departure of the guests. Our thanks to all the contributors and to all the “back stage” supporters without which the evening would not have been so successful. A special thanks to our piper, Hans Peter Burkhard, for his excellent work and for stepping in at short notice. A special mention is also due to Christian Hempel, the manager of the Brandenberg, and to all his staff who provided excellent service throughout. Alan Cattell

FUTURE EVENTS Stammtisch at City Garden or Parkhotel WHERE MEMBERS MEET OTHER MEMBERS TIME, EVERY THURSDAY AT 6:00PM – 8:30PM Date and Location, check in the website www.imcz.com/calendar . The Stammtisch is a great opportunity to get to know members better. Discover their interesting experiences, ideas and opinions!

PRESIDENT NEWSLETTER EDITOR SECRETARY Bill Lichtensteiger Alan Cattell Roy Havermann 079 378 63 26 079 340 25 51 032 512 39 60 IMCZ [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

BOARD MEMBERS TREASURER EVENTS’ ORGANISER WEBMASTER Thumbnail biographies of board members Ilham Yüksel Enrico Dell’Angelo Roger Brooks can be found on our website 079 955 22 87 079 311 78 08 079 583 9935 www.imcz.club under 'About Us' section Treasurer@IMCZ. club [email protected] [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL MEN’S CLUB OF ZUG, P.O. BOX 7212, 6301 ZUG

IMCZ NEWS April / May 2019 2 EVENT NEWS •IMCZ NEWS Ski Day Saturday & Sunday February 2nd & 3rd, 2019 By the time we managed to find the swiss five star's Store & More location in Engelberg, the weather looked quite promising; thankfully, we were right, it stayed dry on the first day of our annual ski trip. Five skiers turned up complete with helmets, goggles, sticks and boots. No , which were kindly provided by Thomas from the swiss five star shop. Whilst enjoying the tasty morning coffee there, we filled-in the forms with our weights and boot sizes, as well as our skiing level, and were promptly provided with the appropriate swiss five star skis. Fully equipped we made our way to the lift station. The gondola took us in one go to Stand at 2500 metres altitude. We made our first skiing run to Laubersgrat and it quickly transpired that we belong to two groups, Joseph and Bill the fast, professional skiers and Roger and Muthana the slower and more careful ones. No wonder, the difference in average age between the two groups is well over twenty years. After teas at the Skihütte in Stand, we made our way to Joch Pass, skiing all the way down to Trübsee, taking the Hopper to the far side and the chair lift to Joch Pass. We skied there till it was lunch time. The food at the restaurant there was excellent, finding a free table was a problem, however. After lunch we were joined by Ilham and we skied down taking the valley run all the way down to Engelberg. Finally, we all made our way to the swiss five star location, gave back our skis and enjoyed a nice apero, before calling it a day. Joseph and Bill returned for the second day, after the others made their way back. The weather was not so kind on Sunday, but who can predict the weather accurately so far in advance? In any event, Bill and Joseph enjoyed some challenging in-bounds powder skiing in low visibility conditions aided by some special wide skis suggested by Thomas. Thanks are due to Joseph for his untiring work in organising the whole event and to Thomas of the swiss five star for providing the skis and the apéro. Muthana Kubba AGM Thursday February 7, 2019

The AGM took place this year at the City Garden Hotel. About 20 members were present. The tasty pies supplied by IMCZ member Ian Stansfield were the highlight of the Apéro which preceded the meeting. Our thanks for that. The meeting proper started with our President delivering his annual speech. During the speech, he invited the other board members to give their input as well. Then Ilham presented last year’s accounts, showing a small profit, and the auditor read the audit report. The budget for next year was presented and approved. Bill was voted in again as the president for the next year. He introduced his team of board members with two newcomers Alan and Wolfgang and the board was confirmed. There was one departure from the board: Muthana. For his long and dedicated service in several roles, especially as newsletter editor, he had the grateful thanks of the membership showered on him. Last, but not least, Joseph Dow was recognised for his sterling service in providing articles to the newsletter on the theme Sports. His interesting articles are much appreciated. Bill Lichtensteiger

IMCZ NEWS April / May 2019 3 EVENT NEWS •IMCZ NEWS If you can dream it, Expat Expo, you can make it! 24th March 2019, Cham On the 14th of March, Nadja Lang ran a workshop for us in the City Gardens Hotel. Nadja is a lawyer by training and an international certified project manager. Now she does coaching, training, arbitration and project management for business people, to bring back “flow” into teams, projects and people and to make the business run in a smooth way again. She took us through a highly interactive workshop where she challenged us first to write down our dream – what would we really like to be or do. Her basic thesis here is that, if you can clearly articulate your dream, you can then find ways to realise your dream step-wise, by breaking down the barriers which prevent you moving forward. Nadja asked us to write down our thoughts to make them concrete. The session included activities such as: ● What are the key elements of your dream which are important to you? Be specific… ● How would feel when you achieve your dream? ● What new behaviour is needed to achieve your dream? ● What are the first steps to move in the direction you want to move? Expat Expo was once again a very lively event with plenty of ● Think about what YOU need to change – not what other people opportunity to sample the food and drink from various Swiss need to do. companies offering their products and services aimed at Expats Overall it was a very interesting session which clearly showed the potential and the local English-speaking community. I personally enjoyed the to find ways to articulate dreams in a pragmatic way and then define selections of beer, whisky, cheese, quiche and honey on offer. The realistic steps to achieve these goals. IMCZ stand was staffed throughout the day on a shift-basis by Bill, Roger, Muthana, Ilham, Wolfgang and Jeremy. Our dart board Thanks to Nadja for a most interesting evening. proved to be very popular and several new potential Club Members For more information you can visit her website at were attracted to the stand, probably due to the beer prizes we https://www.nadjalang.com/ and find her podcast at offered for scoring a bullseye. Steven Knight, our Master of www.nadjalang.com/podcast Ceremonies at our Burns Supper, turned out in his full regalia, assuming the role of piper on this occasion. He provided a tuneful blast from his pipes as he entered the exhibition hall. Ian, our pie maker, also brought along a couple of hundred of his best pies to the event; we shall have to ask him how he fared. All in all, it was a very friendly and enjoyable event with plenty of networking opportunities as well as the eating opportunities. Thanks to all the IMCZ members who supported the event. Bill

IMCZ NEWS April / May 2019 4 HEALTH• IMCZ NEWS Microplastic in the environment – and in our body Contributed by Remo P. Jutzeler van Wijlen, Head R&D Sponser Sports Food Ing. Appl Food Sciences, MAS Nutrition & Health ETHZ

There is much concern about microplastic (MP) be worse, there were none because they also and its potential dangers in our environment. In accumulate in the gut as found in mice. In the media, however, the discussion is mainly several animal models Jin’s laboratory about the easily recognisable, devastating and observed that MP exposure modulated the water. Schymansky et al. ( 2018 ) found MPs in immediately visible effects of plastic waste – microbiota significantly – and did so with an water from every one of the 22 different particularly in our oceans! In contrast, the (albeit high) concentration of either 0.5 µg or returnable and single-use plastic bottles, the 3 implications of the invisible, micro-sized plastic 50 µg sized polystyrene microplastics. beverage cartons, and the 9 glass bottles they particles to our health – and on the Furthermore, the sub-micron sized particles had obtained from grocery stores in Germany. environment – are largely unknown and seemed also to increase intestinal And what’s even worse, with sizes of 5-20 µm, apparently not yet commonly recognised. inflammation. Since increased levels of almost 80% of these particles were several Science is just about to start research in this intestinal inflammation markers (interleukins, magnitudes smaller than those that were field. However, one study on MP indicating that interferon) were only observed in the guts of observed in freshwater reservoirs and one plastic finds its way into our body ( Schwabl those animals that were exposed to the magnitude smaller than the particles in the stool 2018 ) made the media and, as to be expected, small(er) 0.5 µm molecules, the hypothesis of the subjects’ in Schwabl’s pilot study! As bad the message to the public was theatrically “the smaller, the worse” is still plausible. as all that may sound, the actual MP particle dramatized and potentially frightening. Unfortunately, we do not really know much numbers in the Schymanski study were However, that same study has to be seen as about the likely varying distribution of both, relatively small ( see graph ) - and only the worst, what it actually is; an initial exploratory pilot small (50µm) and very small (0.5-5 µm) MP i.e. the reusable plastic bottles contained study. It was not meant to prove something, or particles in our environment. significantly more MP particles than the control to elucidate specific pollution mechanisms; The lack of information about the distribution water or the faeces in Schwabl’s analysis. rather, it is meant to explore, to find and raise of particle sizes in the environment is not the Notably, glass water bottles contained more questions, enabling further studies to be only problem with presently available study (but not significantly so) MP than one-way initiated. I mean, it was a study with eight (!) results ( reviewed by Eerkes-Medrano 2015 ). plastic bottles. subjects. Just because MP is in our They do not catch either the small or the very In summary, the concentration of MP particles environment and passes through our intestines small MP particles. Hence, we are facing the in bottled water (as well as in our faeces) is 4-6 inertly does not yet prove it’s dangerous. The important question; whether the freshwater magnitudes smaller than the concentration MP levels that have been measured by that has been shown to elicit ill health effects international scientists in Mongolia, Geneva, in animals. Lake Garda, Austria, the UK, and several Still, at this time, it is impossible to know German and US / Canadian rivers and lakes whether the presently assumed MP might profoundly underestimate the actual MP concentrations in water, if even a worst-case concentration in our freshwater supply. The exposure scenario, pose a risk to humans. And measurements may have missed the smaller if there is a risk, is it acute, chronic or minimal? particles, which other studies suggest may What we can say, of course, is that it would be make up to 80% or more of the microplastics much better to err on the side of caution and in our environment. This raises even more limit our MP exposure. Avoiding reusable concerns as it is known that having a leaky gut plastic bottles and packaging, however, would makes it easier for MP particles to get into the question rather is, if it really is inert. And this increase the use of single-use plastic bloodstream. A leaky gut can be caused by may very well be a size question. In the packaging and pollution in our environment, mentioned study, in fact, the particle size certain intestinal diseases or can be a eventually leading to even higher MP found was rather big, around 50 µg. In temporary condition triggered by overexertion, occurrence in water, animals, and finally our contrast, a later study in mice ( Jin 2019 ) prevalent with endurance athletes. food. Banning MP in cosmetics and food showed that MP particles with a 10-times It is difficult to estimate how relevant our additives on the industrial level is probably the smaller size of 5 µg did indeed accumulate in environmental exposure to MPs actually is. first and most important step to reduce the gut, induced intestinal barrier dysfunction What can be said with some confidence, exposure. Second, and most important on the and disturbed normal gut microbiota function. though, is that the exposure from freshwater individual level, dispose of plastic waste As the detection limit of the aforementioned reservoirs is 10 4-10 6 times (!) lower than that of appropriately ! As an everyday behavioural tip,: Austrian study was around 50 µg, it is possible animal studies. It may thus make more sense whenever handling reusable plastic packaging that a) there also were smaller particles in the to look at the more recent and reliable try to keep the surface as intact as possible, faeces of the human subjects, or b) and may quantifications of the MP content in bottled which will minimise MP leakage.

IMCZ NEWS April / May 2019 5 SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY • The Physics of Skiing Compiled by IMCZ honorary member Muthana Kubba

Every year the IMCZ organises ski weekends It is clear that one cannot just keep on picking Skis can be built so that they can assist in for their members and friends. Lucky as we are up speed going downhill, one must turn, both making perfect turns. Such skis are called in Central Switzerland, there are lots of to temper one’s speed and to negotiate a carving skis. They are made narrower in the charming ski locations quite close. We’ve had way through other skiers and around middle, so that when pressure and tilt are excursions to St. Moritz, Stoos, Crans- obstacles. Turning without skidding sideways applied for turning they deform into an arc, Montana, Andermatt and lately Engelberg. is called carving. which makes turning automatic and easy with Many club members are experienced skiers and nearly all outings were a great success, although attendance could have been better. Of course, most skiers ski without even thinking about how it works; it is all intuitive like walking. However, walking we learn as babies and all intricacies of the act of walking or running we do effortlessly without even Carving no skidding. The advantage of making clean thinking. For those of us who were not so lucky carved turns is that a skier can maintain a as to learn how to ski as small kids, and had Up until about the mid-eighties of the last higher speed throughout the run, whereas the to learn it as adults an understanding of the century, carving was unheard of. Parallel skiing Z type skier makes a kind of start-stop skiing. physics behind skiing is very helpful. was the talk of town. Top skiers kept their feet and legs together and it was considered The best way to illustrate how a carved ski, Basic Concepts elegant to ski all the time without parting one’s bends into an arc and hence guides the skier legs. Doing the curves was of course possible The first surprise for a first time skier is that into a perfect curve is explained in this but always with some skidding. Carved skis skiing is not intuitive; in fact, it is almost YouTube clip . Put simply, when the ski is tilted, counter-intuitive. Just like driving a car or its middle will be above the snow, so applying riding a bike the first thing you learn is how to pressure at this point bends the ski into an arc turn left or right. In skiing if you want to turn and the turn follows automatically. However, it left then you shift your weight to the right ski is important to remember that good skiers do and vice versa. The physics of the not always carve. Under certain conditions, phenomenon is quite simple, when a carving is not possible, e.g. extreme steep ski is loaded, a thin layer of water slopes bumpy terrain etc. builds up beneath it, because ice or snow melt under pressure. High End Ski-Sport This thin layer makes the Like most major sports, skiing had traditionally loaded ski slip faster than the taken centre stage on world-class unloaded ski, hence the turn. championships. The FIS (Fédération The next concept to master is Internationale de Ski) recognises the following braking. The classical way to ski-disciplines: put the brakes on is by the so were used for the first time in the 1988 at the 1. Alpine-Downhill and Super-G called ‘snowplow’ by crossing Ski Olympics in Calgary, Canada. Since then the skis in an inverted ’V’ form 2. Alpine-Slaloms/Super combined carved skis became the talk of town. with the tip of the V at the front. This 3. Cross Country position will push the snow sideway to provide Carving refers to a technique for making 4. Ski Jumping the braking force. The alternative braking perfect turns without skidding. Remember, 5. Nordic combined method is to turn 90 degrees to the direction skiing is about turning, and the better turns 6. Snowboarding of motion and use the edge of both skis to one makes the better skier, one is. The tracks 7. push the snow downhill and thus provide a of a good curve would be pencil sharp, braking force. whereas the tracks of a turn with skidding Each of the above disciplines is subdivided would be non-existent. Thus the tracks of a into Men and Women events. Furthermore, Downhill Skiing good skier would be S formed, a C on the left under each event there are a number of different sub-events. For example, Alpine Also called Alpine skiing, is of course what turn and an inverted C on the right turn whereas the tracks of a poor skier would be Z Skiing covers the following sub-events for skiing is all about for most people. If we take both men and women:: our analogy with driving a car one-step further, formed, i.e. straight, sharp right turn, skid, then gravity would correspond to the gas another sharp left turn then straight. • Alpine combined pedal of the car. The energy needed for skiing • Downhill downhill is provided by the lifts or gondolas, • which take the skiers to a high point on the • Slalom mountain so that the force of gravity can • Super combined provide the required energy to slide downhill. • Super-G Whizzing down wide , taking in the In addition, there is a Parallel Mixed Team magnificent views, minding other skiers Event. whilst picking up speed, negotiating curves, avoiding obstacles and arriving safely at the Obviously there is a huge number of possible valley station is what makes skiing attractive varieties of skiing, and there may be many to millions of young and young at heart men more yet to be invented. However, our focus is and women. on the straight-downhill variety only.

IMCZ NEWS April / May 2019 6 SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY •

As in any other sport art, there is quite a number of different competitions and cups involved. The FIS has an Alpine Ski World Cup annually. In addition, the winter Olympics takes place once every four years and downhill skiing is one of its highlights. The last Winter Olympics took place in 2018 at Pyeongchang, South Further Reading https://www.real-world-physics-problems.com/physics-of-skiing.html Korea. The next Winter Olympics are scheduled for 2022 in https://www.bluffers.com/bluffers-guide-how-to-ski/ Beijing, China. The venue for the skiing events will take place at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carved_turn Xiaohaituo Alpine Skiing Field not far from Beijing. https://skiinghistory.org/history/evolution-ski-shape Hopp Schwiiz! https://www.olympic.org/international-ski-federation

IMCZ NEWS April / May 2019 7 TRAVEL AND LEISURE • Cruising the Caribbean Cartagena, Colombia Contributed by IMCZ Webmaster Roger Brooks Once again (see my series of IMCZ newsletter further expansion (for all uses) over the next 20 founded in the early 16 th century and was articles from 2015), we opted to grant ourselves years already exist. known during the colonial era as Cartagena a respite from the cold, and especially from the de Indias to distinguish it from its namesake We didn’t have time for sightseeing before short days of January, to fly to our former home on the southern coast of Spain. embarkation, but we did enjoy a sightseeing of South Florida and board a cruise, this time of cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway after During nearly three centuries of Spanish rule, the Western Caribbean and Central America. To disembarking. Cartagena served as a hub of military, see the Panama Canal has long been on my political, commercial and ecclesiastical “bucket list” and, as luck would have it, some activity in the region. Due to its importance Swiss friends of ours shared the same ambition. The Island Princess as a hub for transporting the riches of the We booked the cruise to coincide with our Port Everglades is the home port of Princess wedding anniversary, which, unfortunately, Cruises (a daughter of Carnival). The Island New World (mostly Peruvian silver) back to meant missing the 2019 IMCZ Burns Supper. Princess is one of its older ships, built in 2003. Spain, it was repeatedly attacked by pirates, Although it is small by modern standards (only privateers and the British Navy. As a result, 2500 passengers), it is still one of the largest the city was extensively fortified, starting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida th (Panamax) ships which can navigate the old the mid-16 century and with successive We only spent one night in Fort Lauderdale, in expansions in the 17 th and 18 th centuries. a Hilton near the cruise terminal at Port locks of the Panama Canal, but more on that Everglades. The hotel is only a short walk from later. The cruise began with a sea day, which In the early 19 th century Cartagena was the the Intracoastal Waterway, where one can see gave us a chance to recover from travelling and site of several battles in the struggle for some of the ships in port. Port Everglades is to explore the ship. It wasn’t too hard to find independence, which was finally achieved in the third busiest in the world, with nearly 4 our way around, as we had sailed on a sister 1821. However, the attritions of the war, the million passengers in 2017. The first two, Miami ship, the Sea Princess, in 2012. loss of its status as the capital of the Spanish and Port Canaveral are also in Florida. Miami colonies and the ravages of disease, led to tops the list with around 5 million passengers Grand Cayman a decline from which Cartagena took nearly per year. Our itinerary called for us to call at Grand a century to recover. Port Everglades was built 90 years ago by Cayman the following day. We arrived at 7:00 We arrived in Cartagena early enough to see connecting a freshwater lake, Lake Mabel, to AM but high winds and heavy seas caused the the (almost) full moon setting over the city. We the Atlantic Ocean by a canal which is now part port to be closed and forced the Captain to had a short day in port, departing at 15:00, so of the Intracoastal Waterway. The Port has abandon the idea of tendering passengers we opted for a walking tour of the old town. significantly expanded its cruise terminal ashore. We therefore had two more sea days We had the luxury of walking ashore but had capacity since we were there 4 years earlier, before arriving at our first port of call, to take a short bus ride to town, as we having extensively renovated two Northport Cartagena, Colombia. docked in the industrial port. On our way into terminals and constructed an entirely new one town, we were supposed to have an in the Southport. It remains the major port used Cartagena opportunity to take photos of the Castillo de for importing petroleum products to South Cartagena, Colombia was once the capital of San Felipe de Barajas, the largest Spanish Florida. Plans for investing nearly $2 billion in the Spanish Empire in the New World. It was fort ever built in the New World. We stopped

Full Moon over Cartagena

IMCZ NEWS April / May 2019 8 TRAVEL AND LEISURE •

Puerta del Reloj Statue of Christopher Columbus, Plaza de la Aduana

at the fort, but were not afforded an opportunity spent several years in Santo Domingo (on the first worthy of the name. It took over 80 to disembark, so no photos. After the bus Hispaniola) before acquiring title to what is years to build, partly because of Sir Francis discharged us near the Parque del Centenario, now Colombia (as well as a portion of what is Drake’s attack on the city roughly 10 years our guide led us along the Camellón de Los now Ecuador) from the Spanish crown in 1532. into the cathedral’s construction. Mártires, a linear park commemorating He founded Cartagena under the name revolutionaries who were executed on this site “Cartagena de Poniente” (again to distinguish Plaza de Bolivar by royalist forces during the war for it from its namesake in Spain) a year later, and We then visited the Plaza de Bolivar, which independence. We then walked across the Plaza ruled the area for two decades, exploring the features an imposing statue of Simon Bolivar de la Paz to enter the old city by the main gate, region and pillaging Indian burial grounds for on horseback at its center. It seems that the the Puerta del Reloj (Clock Tower Gate). gold. The city remained unfortified during his Liberator was not directly involved in the rule, and he was lost at sea on his way back to Puerta del Reloj Spain to face trial for abuse of his authority. The Clock Tower Gate was earlier known as the Plaza de la Aduana Boca del Puente (literally, the “Mouth of the Bridge”), a name still used by the locals. The We then proceeded to the nearby Plaza de la gate dates back to the 17 th century. The bridge Aduana (Customs Square), which features a (which no longer exists) was a 16 th century statue of Christopher Columbus. The dome drawbridge. The tower was first equipped with and towers of the Cathedral can be seen over a clock in the late 19 th century, which was then the roofs of the colorful buildings bordering the replaced in the mid-20 th century by one of square. It is the oldest and largest plaza in the Swiss fabrication. city and can accommodate up to 2500 people. It has long been used for cultural and political As soon as we arrived in the old town, we were events. The seat of the colonial government accosted by street vendors selling hats, was located here. sunglasses and souvenirs. Some of them were quite persistent, following us throughout our Santa Catalina Cathedral tour. However, they were not as pushy as some We then passed by the Catédral de Santa of the vendors we have met elsewhere, for Catalina de Alejandro (St. Catherine’s Cathedral) example in Jamaica or Morocco. Our guide told and paused briefly to admire the statue of us that many of them were Venezuelan refugees. Statue of Pope John Paul II outside on the corner of the Cathedral. The statue Plaza de los Coches commemorates the Pope’s visit in 1986, during Just inside the gate is the Plaza de los Coches, which he joined the faithful in mourning the notorious as the site where slave auctions were deaths of 23,000 Colombians in a mudslide held. It features a large statue of Pedro de caused by a volcanic eruption the previous year. Statue of Simon Bolivar in the Plaza de Bolivar Heredia, the founder of Cartagena. Heredia The cathedral was the third of Cartagena, but

Statue of Pope John Paul II by the Santa Catalina Cathedral

Statue of Pedro de Heredia, Plaza de los Coches

IMCZ NEWS April / May 2019 9 TRAVEL AND LEISURE •

Iglesia de San Pedro Claver battles for independence in Cartagena, but he visited it a few years later, proclaiming it a heroic city. He is still revered here as the father of Colombian independence. Palace of the Inquisition Directly across from the Plaza de Bolivar is the Palace of the Inquisition. In fact, the Plaza de Bolivar was previously called the Plaza de la Inquisición. The Inquisition was not established in Cartagena until the 16 th century but was not abolished until independence in the early 19 th century. The Palace now houses a well- regarded museum, which we however declined to visit it, having already seen enough depictions and instruments of torture in European museums. Museo de la Esmeralda The next stop on our tour was the Emerald Museum, conveniently housed at the same address as a jewelry store. It featured videos and exhibits about the mining of emeralds and their use by the indigenous peoples. We left early to avoid the jewelry sales pitch and took Iglesia de Santo Domingo advantage of our free time to visit the interior of the Cathedral, the battlements at the Baluarte de Santo Domingo and the Iglesia de Santo Domingo. Iglesia de Santo Domingo The church of Santo Domingo belongs to the Convent of Santo Domingo which was founded by Dominican friars in the same year as Cartagena itself. The original location was what is now the Plaza de los Coches. The construction of the convent and church at the current site was only completed two centuries later. Returning to our meeting place near the Plaza Bolivar, we had time for a little refreshment in a café overlooking the park. During this pause we were entertained by a talented group of breakdancers performing in the Calle de la In - quisicion. Afterwards our guide instructed us to proceed Metal Sculptures at the Plaza de San Pedro Claver to a new rendez-vous, at the Plaza de San Pedro Claver. Plaza de San Pedro Claver The plaza is named after a Jesuit priest who ministered to the Afro-American slaves as well as to lepers, to prisoners and to the general population. He served for four decades in Cartagena. Although he was poorly treated toward the end of his life, he was canonized in the 19 th century and is now revered as patron saint of Colombia and of sailors as well as of slaves. The square hosts a church of the same name, whose construction was first completed in the year of Claver’s death, 1654. The plaza contains a dozen whimsical metal sculptures by Eduardo Carmona depicting people engaging in typical work and pastimes. Once our group had reassembled we returned to our bus near the Plaza de la Paz for the ride back to the port. Mini-Zoo at the Port We had the bus driver let us out at the port entrance in order to visit the zoological gardens at the cruise terminal before returning to the ship. They are surprisingly extensive, featuring peacocks, macaws, flamingos and anteaters as well as gardens and cafes. Shortly after re- boarding the Island Princess, we weighed anchor for the main goal of our voyage, Panama.

Anteater at the Cartagena Port Entrance

IMCZ NEWS April / May 2019 10 www.ronsumners.com phone 077 424 94 13 [email protected] From the SPORTS•IMCZNEWS SLOPES...

Five Star Hospitality: Contributed by IMCZ Sports’ editor Joseph Dow swiss five star - IMCZ Ski Weekend

For this season’s IMCZ Ski Weekend in February, we took a different approach. Teaming up with the new Swiss ski company, swiss five star ski, we put together a package, designed by five star, for our members. Our event included a “base camp” to get organized, some delicious coffee and gipfeli, the chance to test some elite handmade skis, and a nice apéro at the end to top-off the days. five star had the unique capabilities to make this happen with its Store & More, which combines a cozy café and bar with a small ski showroom and attached workshop, all at the base of the Titlis area in Engelberg. A big “thank you” to Thomas and his lovely wife, Yvonne, for hosting our group. All of us were able to try some different ski models from the swiss five star lineup. On the Saturday, we had a wonderful day, skiing and dining as a group in good weather. Then, with the weather turning on the Sunday, Bill and I took out some of the longer, powder-oriented X- Dream skis to challenge Mother Nature in the deep snow that had piled up. swiss five star skis explained by Thomas: “five star is meant to be the all-round ski, is the ski’s geometry, which offers more comfort due to five star’s offering a clear alternative to the complex choice of a wider waist on the skis, allowing them to also be used off- world of ski specialization. On a given day . The second important focus is carving. Thanks to a sidecut with there may be different conditions requiring radius between 12 and 15 metres and all five star skis having a flex a ski that offers optimal performance pattern with a continuous round arc, they are wonderful for carving. for all the different piste and snow The line consists of 5 models, which differ in geometry and choice of conditions. An important consideration material, providing each model with an individual character.”

IMCZNEWS April / May 2019 12 SPORTS •IMCZ NEWS

X-DREAM 138/76/106 – 167cm, 176cm As the name suggests, it achieves near perfection through its hybrid skiing characteristics. An all-in-one wonder, the X- DREAM is a super carver both on- and off-piste thanks to its wide shovel along with the characteristics of a freerider. PRIME 124/75/102 – 160cm; 126/75/105 – 168cm The PRIME perfectly implements the five star philosophy. Thanks to the use of cherry wood, it has great flexibility with exceptional rebound to ideally support the skier in initiating the . ULTRA 124/75/102 – 160cm; 126/75/105 – 168cm, 175cm The ULTRA has exactly the same geometry as the PRIME. The carbon upper layer gives the ski high stability. The ULTRA must be aggressively driven to take advantage of its exceptional skiing characteristics. Then, you can experience its great performance. PEARL 124/75/102 – 155cm, 160cm, 165cm The PEARL is a comfort ski which, thanks to its slightly rockered tip, allows you to drift even when the carve turns are not fully extended. Thanks to this feature, it requires less effort and is therefore very popular with lighter-weight skiers and the ladies. ROYAL 122/72/107 – 166cm In contrast to the other five star models, agility and the ability to perform both short and long turns, quick carves and long cruising, is emphasized. Carefully handcrafted from A to Z, the ROYAL turns even average skiers into experts.

I had the pleasure of trying the X-Dream skis in both sizes and have my own pair of Royals. I would use the shorter X-Dreams for later in the season on softer snow on the piste. For snowy, powder days like Bill and I experienced, the extra length of the longer 176cm is welcome for float and the skis performed quite well. For all around skiing on the piste, it’s hard to beat the Royal. These are exceptional skis and I invite you to visit Thomas in Engelberg to check out the swiss five star line: swiss five star ag Thomas Koller Gerschnistrasse 6 THINK SNOW!!! THINK SNOW!!! THINK SNOW!!! THINK SNOW!!! 6390 Engelberg +41 (0) 79 333 46 34 If you have questions about skiwear or equipment or want a recommendation, [email protected] feel free to send me an email: jjdow[at]Hotmail.com www.swissfivestarski.ch/en/

STAMMTISCH Every Thursday from 18:00–20:30 At the City Garden Hotel

IMCZ NEWS April / May 2019 13 BUSINESS/FINANCE •IMCZ Financial Markets and Politics Contributed by Christian Wagner, IMCZ Member The Black Swan This term, coined by Nassem Taleb, means a most unlikely event that occurs unexpectedly and with great impact. In retrospect, explanations can usually be found to make the event seem less surprising and more understandable. We are talking here about the “black swan” in the form of the politics that made the investment year 2018 a year to forget, despite satisfactory economic conditions. Political underpinnings of the world The world of the past was essentially bipolar until 1990. The USA and the Soviet Union with Another example is the situation in the USA, leadership under President Xi Jinping are part their respective allies faced-off against each where ideological clashes between the of a geostrategic plan to strengthen the power other in the “Cold War”. The ideological Republican President and the Democratic of the state and the Communist Party. The Belt competition was based on political and military House of Representatives caused the and Road and Made in China initiatives are an power but was finally decided by the economic longest ever government shutdown, mainly expression of the will to decisively influence superiority of the “West”. Financial markets over the explicit financing of a border wall - a the global economy. Since there is no clear became accustomed to the fact that political topic which is minuscule in an overall dividing line between private enterprise and change only had a marginal effect on economic budget context. state, and government representatives sit on progress (Marshall Plan, EEC, EU). However, the boards of all major companies, foreign the world of the future, at least since 2012 with Risks for the financial markets companies such as Huawei may also be in the inauguration of Xi Jinping, is again bipolar A UK exit from the EU is usually discussed in government service. The struggle of the with China replacing the Soviet Union. The relation to the negative impact on the UK. hegemonic USA and emerging China will last confrontation with the US is not military but While this is certainly true, the EU will also for a long time, and from time to time will economic, and its effects have already rattled suffer unpleasant consequences. The EU negatively affect the financial markets. financial markets. The successor to the Soviet Commission hardly seems to have taken into Union, the Russian Federation, is mostly account the economic collateral damage Consequences for the investor preoccupied with regional issues and focussed arising from its negotiating strategy. The Nowadays, unlike in the past, politics is just as on specific, strategically important, countries. automotive industry, which is so important for important as economic data and company Europe, which has benefited the most from Germany, is only the most obvious example of figures and should be taken into account the collapse of the old “world order”, Brexit related trading difficulties just at a accordingly. As its effects are often detrimental increasingly suffers from the fact that economic time when the economy is weakening. Brexit to the financial markets, risk increases. With unification was accomplished without a will be done somehow, but the negative increased risk, more liquidity (avoiding losing political counterpart. consequences will keep the financial markets money is as important as making money), gold busy for a long time. and stocks with a focus on the home market Democracies under pressure are recommended. Individual equities are By contrast with China, which is ruled by a The trade dispute between China and the USA preferred to index products. single party in autocratic form, its is more than just a temporary disruption in counterparties are democracies where the trade relations of both countries. The (translated from the original German) elected representatives of the people take mercantile economic policies of the Chinese the decisions. Unfortunately, the term “democracy” only describes the electoral methodology, but not how a government should function. Nowadays, the basic principle of the separation of power between executive, legislative and judicial branches is being subverted. The best example of this is the current situation in the UK. The whole process of withdrawal from the European Union lies in the competence of the executive branch, but the closer the withdrawal date approaches, the more frenetic the legislature’s aspirations become, not only to co-legislate but also to shape the form of the withdrawal. For its part, the EU suffers not only from an ad hoc political leadership but also from the aftermath of a hasty enlargement (the former Eastern Bloc states) and their diverging priorities. Internal tensions are also a reason for the uncompromising attitude to the Brexit question.

IMCZ NEWS April / May 2019 14 HUMOUR •IMCZ NEWS

The art of the put-down Prayer answered A man walking along a California beach was deep in prayer. All of a sudden he said A member of Parliament to Disraeli: out loud, “Lord grant me one wish.” “Sir, you will either die on the gallows or of some unspeakable disease.” Suddenly the sky clouded above his head and in a booming voice the Lord said, “That depends, Sir” said Disraeli, “whether “Because you have been faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish.” I embrace your policies or your mistress.” The man said, “Build a bridge to Hawaii, so I can drive over anytime I want to.” ***** “He had delusions of adequacy” - Walter Kerr The Lord said, “Your request is very materialistic. Think of the logistics of that kind of undertaking. The supports required to reach the bottom of the Pacific! ***** “He has all the virtues I dislike and none of The concrete and steel it would take! I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your the vices I admire.” - Winston Churchill desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of another wish, a wish you think would honour and glorify me.” ***** “I have never killed a man, but I have read The man thought about it for a long time. many obituaries with great pleasure.” Finally he said, “Lord, I have been married and - Clarence Darrow divorced four times. All of my wives said that ***** I am uncaring and insensitive. I wish that “He has never been known to use a word I could understand women. I want to know that might send a reader to the dictionary.” how they feel inside, what they are thinking - William Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway) when they give me the silent treatment, why ***** they cry, what they mean when they say “Thank you for sending me a copy of ‘nothing’ and how I can make a woman truly happy.” your book; I’ll waste no time reading it.” After a few minutes God said, “You want two lanes or four on that bridge?” - Moses Hadas ***** “I didn’t attend the funeral, Ice Cream but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.” - Mark Twain A couple in their nineties are both having problems remembering things. During a check-up, the doctor tells them that they’re physically okay, but they ***** “He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked might want to start writing things down to help them remember. by his friends.” - Oscar Wilde Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair ***** ‘Want anything while I’m in the kitchen?’ he asks. “I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of ‘Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?’ my new play; bring a friend, if you have one.” - George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill ‘Sure.’ “Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend ‘Don’t you think you should write it down, second... if there is one.” - Winston Churchill, so you can remember it?’ she asks. in response ‘No, I can remember it.’ ***** “I feel so miserable without you; it’s almost ‘Well, I’d like some strawberries on top, too. like having you here.” - Stephen Bishop Maybe you should write that down, so as not to forget it.’ ***** He says, ‘I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries.’ “He is a self-made man and worships his creator.” - John Bright ‘I’d also like whipped cream. I’m certain you’ll forget that, please write it down!’ ***** she asks. “I’ve just learned about his illness. Let’s hope Irritated, he says, ‘I don’t need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream it’s nothing trivial.” - Irvin S. Cobb with strawberries and whipped cream - I got it, for goodness sake!’ ***** “He is not only dull himself; he is the cause Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, the old man returns from of dullness in others.” - Samuel Johnson the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs. She stares at the plate for a moment. ***** “He is simply a shiver looking for a spine to ‘Where’s my toast?’ run up.” - Paul Keating ***** “In order to avoid being called a flirt, she always Why I stopped golfing yielded easily.” - Charles, Count Talleyrand Saturday morning, I got up early, dressed quietly, ***** made my lunch, grabbed my clubs, slipped quietly “He loves nature in spite of what it did to him.” into the garage put my clubs & cart into the trunk - Forrest Tucker and proceeded to back out into a torrential down ***** pour. The wind was blowing 50 mph. “Why do you sit there looking like an envelope without any address on it?” - Mark Twain I pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, ***** and discovered that the weather would be bad throughout the day. “His mother should have thrown him away I went back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed. and kept the stork.” - Mae West There I cuddled up to my wife’s back, now with a different anticipation, and whispered, “The weather out there is terrible”. ***** “Some cause happiness My loving wife of 40 years replied, ‘Can you believe my stupid husband is out wherever they go; others, golfing in that crap? whenever they go.” I still don’t know to this day if she was joking, but I have stopped golfing. - Oscar Wilde

IMCZ NEWS April / May 2019 15 TITBITS •IMCZ NEWS IMCZ NEWS Members ’ Advertising Rates Marketplace Are you selling your yacht (harboured in Piraeus)? The IMCZ newsletter is delivered Your Aston-Martin old-timer with the roll top roof? bi-monthly to about 200 members A gorgeous view of the Bay of Biscay, representing 20 nationalities. with a little bit of house attached? IMCZ members have personal or Or are you cashing in the half of your stamp professional interests in both the collection that is finally worth something? international community and in Perhaps you’re looking for all of these things? the canton of Zug. Then ADVERTISE here, Format: A4 vertical, full color. in the IMCZ News; Ad content delivery: The Members’ Marketplace is reserved for unformatted electronic by e-mail, .pdf, .jpg, .gif advertisements of 150 characters (approx. 3 lines) of text. These are free of charge to IMCZ members. Advertising Rates: Advertisements must be submitted as illustrated below. Longer advertisements cost CHF 30.- • Full page, A4 vertical. (19 x 27.7 cm), Fr. 200.- • 1/2 Page, A5 horizontal (19 x 13.5 cm), Fr. 110.- Example: FOR SALE : gorgeous view of Bay of Biscay with stunning sunsets and high waves. • 1/3 Page, vertical (6.3 x 27.7 cm), Fr. 85.- Wee house (12 rooms), dock and yacht included. • 1/3 Page, horizontal (19 x 9.2 cm), Fr. 85.- Call Bill at 041 123 45 67. • 1/4 Page, A6 vertical (9.2 x 13.5 cm), Fr. 60.- • 1/4 Page, horizontal (19 x 6.9 cm), Fr. 60.- • Business Card (9.2 x 6.45 cm) Fr. 45.-

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IMCZ NEWS April / May 2019 16